Carmen Hernandez is not a teacher, but she can’t help but consider the students that walk into El Monte-Rosemead Adult School to be her own.

And the West Covina resident is a lot more influential in the lives of the students than a front desk clerk may appear.

“She’s been with adult education for over 20 years, and all this time, she would go above and beyond to help our immigrant students,” said Erix Oliva, president of El Monte-Rosemead Adult School chapter of the California Council for Adult Education. “She has been a pillar of support for our students.”

Based on her experience as a Mexican immigrant – she came here when she was 17 – and being a single mother, Hernandez shares her story with students.

She encourages them to better their English, continue their education and fulfill their dreams. She also insists these English learners to watch lots of television and carry a dictionary.

“I learned English by watching TV in English,” the 58-year-old said. “I used to watch soap operas and I loved, loved, loved my dictionary.

On several occasions, Hernandez has helped buy textbooks and supplies for students who could not afford it.

“If I can help students, why not? If I have a little extra money and these books will better them, by all means, here’s the money,” she said.

Hernandez is such a hit with the students that they often visit her at the office and give her the respect of calling her “teacher,” although she’s not.

It is her support and service that she was presented the California Council for Adult Education South Coast Section Meritorious Service Award in October last year.

“Her biggest asset is her brightness. She is just a nice person to see at the front desk,” said Oliva, who is also a counselor and administrator at the adult school.

The clerk has also helped raise thousands of dollars for the council’s student scholarships with raffle baskets she puts together.

“She is just so creative. Anything she touches is beautiful,” Oliva said.

Hernandez started working a second job as an employee for adult education in 1986 to pay for her son’s education. A single mother, Hernandez managed to fund the costs of his private high school and, later, university.

“To me, (his education) was very important. The sacrifice was nothing,” Hernandez said.

But after her son graduated, Hernandez decided to continue working in adult education.

“I started for the funds, but then after that it wasn’t so much about the money. I liked being around the students, helping them and serving them, the staff, teachers and administrators,” she said. “I like that atmosphere. I like serving the public.”